Three Rotary Clubs have supported Child Care of Southwest Florida’s efforts to provide high-quality early education to low-income children with a combined $8,500 contribution to the agency’s scholarship fund.
Rotary Club of Fort Myers contributed $5,000, Rotary Club of Fort Myers South donated $2,500, and Rotary Club of Sanibel-Captiva added $1,000.
“Once we shared research results with the Rotary Clubs, they were eager to support our efforts,” said Executive Director and Rotarian Beth Lobdell. “Studies prove that children who are deprived of high-quality early-education experiences are far more likely to drop out of school, experience teen pregnancies and run into trouble with the law. Ninety percent of the brain’s neurons develop by the age of 5, so kindergarten is too late to start providing an effective learning environment.”
Child Care of Southwest Florida provides early-education and voluntary prekindergarten programs at six accredited centers in Lee and Hendry counties. Scholarships are provided to low-income families, allowing them to maintain employment and providing their children with the continuity that fosters learning and social development.
When the agency learned of unexpected funding cuts that would impact many of its families, its board of directors launched a fundraising effort to keep affected children in its centers.
“Low-income families don’t always have access to high-quality programs, and dependable child care is critical to their employment,” said Board Chair Karen Miller. “We could not let any of our children leave for financial reasons, and we’re grateful to the Rotary Clubs and others who are helping us cover the shortfall.”
Rotary Clubs bring together dedicated individuals to exchange ideas, build relationships and take action. The clubs, with Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation, work to make lasting improvements in their communities and around the world.
To donate or learn more about Child Care of Southwest Florida, a United Way agency established in 1967, visit www.CCSWFL.orgto learn more.